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Forum Discussion

youngie72's avatar
youngie72
Follower
Aug 29, 2023

setup without connecting to router

I have moved into a complex that has internet supplied (wifi).  I am wondering if it is possible to setup my Orbi rbk853 in my apartment without a physical connection to the complexes router.  I hope...
CrimpOn's avatar
CrimpOn
Guru - Experienced User
Aug 30, 2023
youngie72 wrote:

i want to connect my pc with an ethernet cable to my orbi wifi.

Unless the complex allows residents to contract (and pay) for their own Internet service, I see two options:

 

  • Ask the management "what do residents do who want to connect their computer's Ethernet to the Internet?"
    Surely you cannot be the only person wanting an Ethernet connection.
  • Buy an inexpensive WiFi Extender that will connect to the complex WiFi and has an Ethernet port, such as the TP-Link RE-220 ($20 on Amazon) - or any similar product.  If you have only one device requiring Ethernet, then connect it directly to the Ethernet port on the WiFi Extender.  If there are multiple devices needing internet, either
    • Buy more Extenders, or
    • Connect an inexpensive Ethernet switch to the Extender and connect devices to the switch.

Yes, the Orbi router could be connected to the WiFi Extender to create your own WiFi network.  Might conflict with the complex WiFi network and might be "overkill" for the size of the living space.